Bones found on Rottnest Island are Indigenous remains

Western Australia Police have formally identified skeletal remains discovered on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) earlier this week as those of historic Indigenous ancestors. The discovery, which occurred during routine works near a busy precinct, prompted an immediate forensic assessment to determine the age and origin of the remains.

Following a detailed examination by forensic anthropologists, authorities confirmed that the site holds significant cultural heritage value rather than being a matter of recent criminal concern. The island, which served as a colonial prison for thousands of Aboriginal men and boys between 1838 and 1931, remains a site of profound grief and historical importance for the Whadjuk Noongar community.

“Every fragment unearthed on this island is a profound testament to a legacy that continues to shape our shared understanding of justice and remembrance.”

Local authorities are now coordinating with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Rottnest Island Authority to ensure the area is protected. Consultations with Traditional Owners are currently underway to ensure the ancestors are handled with the utmost dignity and that appropriate cultural protocols are followed for their eventual repatriation.